Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Bhubaneswar Drivers’ Protest Turns Violent, 113 Arrested, 354 Vehicles Seized
An auto-rickshaw drivers’ protest in Bhubaneswar became violent after some people allegedly threw stones.
Police said 15 officers were injured.
Public transport vehicles and police vehicles were also damaged.
Officers dispersed the crowd and restored order.
They arrested 113 people and took 354 vehicles into custody.
Another 60 people were released after signing good-behaviour bonds.
Seven police complaints, called FIRs, were registered.
Police are checking videos to find anyone else who may have taken part.
Officials said peaceful protests are allowed, but violence will lead to legal action.
Police arrested 113 people and seized 354 vehicles after violence at Master Canteen Square.
Stone-pelting injured 15 police personnel and damaged public transport and police vehicles.
The unrest began during an auto-rickshaw drivers’ association demonstration over its demands.
Seven FIRs were registered at Kharvel Nagar Police Station, including complaints from the public, Ama Bus staff and police.
Police released 60 people on good-behaviour bonds and are reviewing CCTV and video footage for more suspects.
- Who
- An auto-rickshaw drivers’ association, protesters and Commissionerate Police were involved; 113 people were arrested.
- What
- A demonstration became violent, involving alleged stone-pelting and attacks on police and vehicles.
- When
- The arrests had been made by 1:30 a.m. on August 20.
- Where
- Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar; FIRs were registered at Kharvel Nagar Police Station.
- Why
- The demonstration was organized to press the auto-rickshaw drivers’ association’s demands; police action followed the alleged violence.
- Arrests
- 113 people were arrested and forwarded to court.
- Vehicles seized
- 354 abandoned or allegedly connected vehicles were seized.
- People released
- 60 people were released on good-behaviour bonds.
- Police injuries
- 15 police personnel were injured and received medical treatment.
- FIRs
- Seven FIRs were registered: two from the public, four from Ama Bus staff and one from police.
- Evidence review
- Investigators are examining CCTV recordings and other videos to identify additional suspects.